National Pizza Party Day – May. 16, 2026

National Pizza Party Day
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ActivitiesFoodFun
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United States
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Third Friday of May
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National Pizza Party Day invites everyone to celebrate with a slice (or several) every third Friday in May. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni, gourmet toppings, or a simple margherita, this day is all about sharing the joy of pizza. Gather your loved ones, order from your favorite pizzeria, or get creative with homemade pies!

Want to sponsor National Pizza Party Day? Learn how

Expected National Pizza Party Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Pizza Party Day brings irresistible deals from major chains. Expect Domino’s to offer discounts on large pizzas, while Pizza Hut often features combo deals or limited-time specials. Papa John’s typically provides online-exclusive coupons for carryout or delivery. Keep an eye out for buy-one-get-one offers from Little Caesars, and special menu items or discounted appetizers at sit-down restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen. Local pizzerias will also join the fun with unique promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 21 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pizza Party Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPizzaPartyDay. Film a fun video assembling a unique pizza or hosting a themed pizza party with friends.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PizzaParty. Share mouth-watering photos of your pizza creations, favorite slices, or party setup.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PizzaPartyDay. Create an event for your virtual or in-person pizza party and invite friends to share their favorite pizza memories.

Social Media Tips for National Pizza Party Day

Individuals

Host a themed pizza night at home, inviting friends to bring their favorite toppings for a build-your-own pizza bar. Share photos of your delicious creations and tag your friends.

Creators

Develop a series of short videos showcasing different pizza recipes, from dough-making hacks to gourmet topping combinations. Challenge your followers to share their own pizza party ideas.

Brands

Run a 'Best Pizza Party' photo contest, encouraging customers to share pictures of their celebrations featuring your products. Offer gift cards or pizza-themed merchandise as prizes.

Top Brands for National Pizza Party Day

  1. Domino's

    Founded in 1960 by Tom Monaghan in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Domino's is one of the largest pizza chains globally. Known for its efficient delivery, it introduced the 30-minute guarantee and continues to innovate with online ordering and tracking.

  2. Pizza Hut

    Established in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney in Wichita, Kansas, Pizza Hut is famous for its iconic red roof and diverse menu. It pioneered pan pizza and offers a wide range of crusts and toppings, making it a family favorite.

  3. Papa John's

    John Schnatter founded Papa John's in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, out of a broom closet in his father's tavern. The chain is known for its slogan 'Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.' and its signature garlic dipping sauce.

  4. Little Caesars

    Founded in 1959 by Mike and Marian Ilitch in Garden City, Michigan, Little Caesars popularized the 'Hot-N-Ready' concept. It's known for its affordable prices and convenient grab-and-go options, making it a popular choice for quick meals.

  5. California Pizza Kitchen

    Founded in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California, by Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield, CPK brought gourmet pizzas to a casual dining setting. It's famous for its innovative toppings, like the original BBQ Chicken Pizza, and a full menu beyond just pizza.

  6. Sbarro

    Founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro, Italian immigrants who opened their first delicatessen in Brooklyn, New York. Sbarro is renowned for its New York-style pizza, often found in food courts and shopping malls worldwide.

  7. Ooni

    Founded in 2012 by Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland in Scotland, Ooni revolutionized outdoor cooking with its portable pizza ovens. Their ovens allow home cooks to make authentic, restaurant-quality pizza in their own backyards.

National Pizza Party Day Hero

Gennaro Lombardi

Gennaro Lombardi, an Italian immigrant, is widely credited with opening the first licensed pizzeria in the United States in 1905, located in New York City. His establishment, Lombardi's, initially began as a grocery store in 1897, selling tomato pies wrapped in paper. By obtaining a business license to operate as a pizzeria, he laid the foundation for pizza's immense popularity in America. Lombardi's remains an iconic landmark, symbolizing the rich history of pizza in the country.

National Pizza Party Day timeline

​10,000 B.C.
Pizza Was Always There

Baked bread has been topped with flavorings since the Neolithic Age.

​997 A.D.
Mamma Mia!

​​The word ‘pizza’ first appears in a Latin text.

1905
New York, New York!

The first United States pizza establishment opens in New York’s Little Italy.

1997
Say Cheese!

Approximately two billion pounds of pizza cheese is manufactured in the United States.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pizza Party Day

Local pizzerias can run special promotions like ‘buy one, get one free’ or offer unique, limited-edition pizzas for the day. Restaurants and bars can host pizza-making classes or themed pizza parties with live music. Retailers selling kitchenware might offer discounts on pizza stones, cutters, or ingredients. Even non-food businesses can join in by providing pizza to their employees or hosting a ‘pizza and learn’ event for clients, fostering a fun and celebratory atmosphere.

National Pizza Party Day FAQs

When is National Pizza Party Day?

National Pizza Party Day 2026 falls on Friday, May 15, making it the perfect start to a fun-filled weekend. Gather your friends and family for some cheesy goodness!

How much pizza is consumed in the U.S. annually?

Americans consume an astounding amount of pizza each year, with approximately three billion pizzas sold annually. That’s roughly 350 slices per second, showcasing pizza’s undeniable popularity.

What are the most popular pizza toppings?

While preferences vary regionally, pepperoni consistently ranks as the most popular pizza topping in the U.S., followed closely by sausage, mushrooms, and extra cheese. These classic choices remain favorites for many.

Is National Pizza Party Day different from National Pizza Day?

Yes, National Pizza Party Day (third Friday in May) is distinct from National Pizza Day (February 9). While both celebrate pizza, Pizza Party Day specifically encourages gathering with others to enjoy pizza together.

National Pizza Party Day Activities

  1. Throw your own pizza party

    What better way to bond with your friends and meet new people than by inviting them to your place and feeding them pizza? You can decorate your place with pizza-themed decorations — after all, you’re celebrating a national holiday — and put together pizza-themed party games. If you’d like to serve other food in addition to pizza, that’s entirely up to you.

  2. Make your own pizza

    Haven’t you ever wanted to make your own pizza crust? To knead the dough into a circle and toss it into the air, just like the pros do? You can either buy ready-made pizza dough or you can mix your own—there are plenty of recipe books to help you. Don’t stress if you don’t get the spin right the first time. All the best things in life “knead” practice.

  3. Do a “pizza crawl"

    If you’ve ever wondered where to find the best pizza in town, today is the perfect day to do it. Gather up a group of friends or go solo. Find out where you can get a pizza in your area, and go out on the town. You can carry a notebook or you can freewheel it, but the most important thing is to have a good time and eat some great pizza.

Why We Love National Pizza Party Day

  1. Pizza is delicious

    There is something about the combination of standard flavors—sauce, cheese, spices and herbs—that is fundamentally appealing to us. At the same time, the recipe is so basic that it allows for endless experimentation and innovation. (Whatever your stance on whether pineapple should belong on pizza or not, you have to give folks points for creativity).

  2. Pizza complements a party perfectly

    Pizza is a finger-food by default, which has the effect of making any atmosphere feel more easy and comfortable. People tend to have the most fun when they feel comfortable around others, so pizza can help create the perfect atmosphere for any party. And if that party happens to be a pizza party…well, that’s just a bonus.

  3. It’s the ultimate multicultural food

    John Green once said that “for almost all of human history, pizza was impossible.” Pizza as we know it today requires ingredients from very disparate corners of the world. As we mentioned before, tomato sauce wasn’t used on pizza until trade routes were established between Europe and the Americas. Modern pizza requires creativity and collaboration between people of very different backgrounds—and the result is delicious.

National Pizza Party Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 May 16 Friday